Use this form to contact us for information about Ridley-Brook
Publishing or to order copies of WHEN DARLA HIT. Book
orders, comments and inquiries can be left on this page, or you
can email: ridleybrook@pshift.com. Purchase When Darla Hit
online at Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble, Borders and Walden
Books.com. or ask you local library or bookstore to order
from Baker & Taylor or Ingram Books.
When Darla Hit is available at any
Library or Book store, including:
Barnes & Noble - So Burlington, VT
Bear Pond Books – Stowe, VT
Bear Pond Books – Montpelier, VT
Rivendell Books – Montpelier,VT
The Book Garden – Montpelier, VT
Candles & Creations -- So. Burlington
The Galaxy Bookshop – Hardwick, VT
Boxcar and Caboose – St. Johnsbury, VT
Spirit Dancer Books – Burlington, VT
Northfield Books – Northfield, VT
Stargazer Gifts -- Richmond, VT
Cover to Cover – Randolph, VT
Barre Books – Barre, VT
Book King -- Rutland, VT
Annie's Bookshop -- Rutland, VT
The Tempest – Waitsfield ,VT
The Book Cellar – Brattleboro, VT
Flying Pig Books -- Shelburne, VT
Vermont Book Shop -- Middlebury, VT
Better Planet Books -- St. Albans, VT
Woodknot Bookshop - Newport, VT
Stowe Street Emporium – Waterbury, VT
The Tiny Acorn – Waterbury, VT
Contact Us
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Request When Darla Hit at your Library or Bookstore. (Available through Baker & Taylor)
READER COMMENTS:
comment = "The read was quick-too quick in fact! We need more! My favorite part was
how the author truly brought the characters to life and made the places feel like home to
me. Stunning imagery! I loved it!" -Valerie, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
REMOTE_HOST: 65.34.216.47
"Just want to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I felt like I was watching it live in some
places. It makes you feel and it makes you smile; those are good things. I just passed it on
to my sister to read." Jackie Burleson Burlington, VT
"Congratulations! Finally a novel that held my attention from start to finish; this book really
should be made into a film." Harry Trafford Chorley, Lancs, UK
"Once I started this book, it was hard to stop reading. I rushed home from work every night,
got dinner and chores out of the way so I could get back to it. I loved the ending, but was sad
that the story was over. Write more!" Marie Perrin Bristol, CT
"Thank you for writing such a dear book. It was such a joy to read, and it will bear reading over
and over! I do hope you will write more; you have a free flowing talent for words."
Sandy Morningstar Duxbury, VT
I am so completely impressed by your achievements!! I ordered three books, one for me,
one for Roberta and one for Quanda! Luv ya, and again congratulations!!!
Paula DeGroat Margate, FL
"I just want to tell you that I hadn’t read a book in twenty years. When Darla Hit never lost my
interest, and since I read it I’ve read two more books. They weren’t quite as good, but at least
your book made me want to read again." Henry Partlow Plainfield, VT
"A friend gave me When Darla Hit for my birthday. I immediately started reading it and loved
every minute of it. I read it every night until I finished it because it was very entertaining. Keep
up the good work. I can't wait for the next book to come out!!!!" Diane Sheridan
"I loved the book, and completely fell in love with Ben. The heroine is tough as nails, and the
author's way of telling her story was so natural it felt like she was sitting next to me talking
about her life." Doris Johnson Tampa, FL (p.s. I ordered four books)
"It is such a pleasure to congratulate you on the When Darla Hit. It's such a wonderful book.
I'm glad you have shared your talents. Please keep on writing; I wish you continued
success." Deborah Ballou Whitinsville, MA
"I enjoyed reading WHEN DARLA HIT. There were so many changes in her life , sometimes
people become jaded & stop believing in oneself. Ben helped her believe in herself &what
she stands for. I'm looking for book #2." Georgia Mazur Torrington, CT (ordered 5 books)
"My husband and I both loved the book. We were sharing it and kept trying to get it back when
the other one was reading it. We can't wait for the next one! Janet Edson Bakersfield, CA
"I loved this book! Very engrossing. Hope you will write another and another."
Kirsten Wiley – Barre, VT
"I'm in my seventies and have read many books; this was the best one I've picked up in years.
My 84 year old husband also read it and loved it, and he usually only reads the paper. We
both hope you'll write more." Jessie Graves
"The book made me feel like i was right there with you , but the last few chapters seemed a
little rushed as if you had to make a deadline to finish the book. All in all i liked the book very
much ,are you going to write more ?" William Dunn Clearwater, FL
"When a friend raved about this book, I went out that day and bought it. I read it yesterday. I
could not put it down!! I loved every tragic,sad, and happy moment..thanks for not killing Ben
off...I really was getting worked up for a while. Congratulations on a great book ..hope many
more to follow!!" Ellen Demers E. Montpelier, VT
"Great first book. I hope it's not the last." John Nolet Chester, MA and Burlington, VT
"I'm a student at UVM. I bought your book to read on the flight home for spring break. I
couldn't put it down and finished reading it when I got there. Now my mom's reading it. She
loves it too. Have you written others?" Sara M. Westchester, NY
"Wow -- great book. I bought three copies and want another one, autographed. I'm so proud
of you, kid." (Cousin) Carol Brill St. Johnsbury, Vt.
"I'm not much of a reader and your book captivated me. I felt like I wanted to jump in and be a
part of the book, especially the big gathering for Ben." Teresa Wells Williston, VT
"I'm bawling and it's all your fault. I was only going to read a few chapters but I couldn't put it
down and here it is two in the morning, and I have a class in the morning. The book is
amazing and I've been crying for the past 45 minutes. [[while I was reading..]] I've been done
for close to 5 minutes and I'm still crying. I kept moving in and out of "oh my god no!" and
"He's amazing." and I was on the last page holding back the tears and I read the last line and
died. And just typing that made me cry even more just from thinking about it. The ending
couldn't have been any better." Camm / Johnson State College
"I loved your book so much. Please, please write more." Sherry Lee Olson Manchester, NH
"i really really really, really loved your book! had it not been for a friend handing it to me i
would have missed a great opportunity! i read a couple of books a week. i only have
patience for reading suspense novels, etc. rarely am i able to read biographies, love stories,
life stories and other types of books. // please allow me to tell you that you captured my
attention from the first page. you were able to describe the trials and tribulations of your
character (s) without crossing the line of too many adjectives and excess words. you made
me feel like i was in the room, in the hurricane, in the car, and on the move. i read the book in
one day because i didn't want to put it down. i wanted to move through the story to learn what
happened with each character. you were able to tell your story with courage and truth but you
were not morose or whining - and yet you allowed your reader to feel sad, feel happy, feel
angry and rise above it all. // one of the reasons that i stay away from stories other than
suspense is that i feel authors go too far, don't get to the point, don't follow the story from one
place to the next. you wrote a nice, tight novel and carried your characters, the places in
which you lived, etc. extremely well. // please forgive my writing ability. i write as i speak,
unless it's poetry - and that i love to write - it's a respite here and there in my life. // back to
you! i shake my head at all the thoughts i have about your story. i truly loved all the
characters and god bless you for the things you've been able to live through and share with
others. i realize some is life based and some is fiction. doesn't really matter which is which.
the story is great and i fell in love with you in love and how you handled things. // thank you
so very much for the reading pleasure. take care." cyndi howarth
" I finished reading When Darla Hit this morning and enjoyed every minute of it. WOW!
what a life she had !! And what an exciting and lovely ending. I will recommend this book to
everyone I know...." Pat Holley (Singer/Song Writer) New York City
"I loved your book; couldn't put it down. You should be all over the place with this. Why aren't
you doing talks and signings? or have I just missed them? I'm so glad I bought the book --
thanks for writing it!" Margaret Ferguson, Berlin
"Everyone here at O.U.R. House read your book and loved it. I started it on my day off, and
was only going to read a little bit. I ended up spending the entire day reading because it was
too good to put down. Thanks for all your help and for writing such an honest and interesting
book." Pricilla White, Director
"Received my copy of When Darla Hit yesterday morning; sat on the dock and read it and
wouldn't cook dinner until I was done. I found it deeply enjoyable. I don't like to use an over-
used term, but I " felt your pain." I know it took a lot of guts to write hard memories -- you told
the story without hesitation, which gave it depth and texture. There are thousands of abused
women that need to read it so they know that their lives can heal if they try hard enough and
give life a chance. BRAVO!" Candace LaPerna Moneta, VA
"Just loved this book. I felt like I was listening to my best friend talk about her life. A friend
read it and told me how good it was. She was right. I'd recommend this book to anyone who
wants a terrific read." Amy White Key Bank, Barre, VT
"I read When Darla Hit while I was on vacation in Florida. I kept turning to my husband and
saying, "You're not going to believe this." He couldn't wait to read it and I couldn't wait to see
how it ended. It was a great read and I wish you much success. Thanks for writing it." Donna
"Wow! That was powerful. Thanks for helping me understand myself better. And what an
incredible ending. This was the most honest and original novel I've read in a long, long time. I
hope you will write more but I don't know how you'll match that!" Annie Heburg St. Cloud, MN
"I have just finished reading your book. My mother bought it for me for the obvious reason:
the name Darla. Thank you so much for a delightful and rewarding reading experience. And
additional thanks for writing my biography for me....seems so strange to see so many facets
of your life written by a stranger. I will be looking forward to more of your work. Hope all is
well." Warm regards and much respect, Darla Brouillard
"I found your book fascinating. A thousand thanks for writing it." Henrietta Antony, Montreal
"This book blew me away. I just wasn't expecting anything so wonderful from an unknown
author. You won't be unknown for long, I'm sure."
READER COMMENTS:
comment = "The read was quick-too quick in fact! We need more! My favorite part was
how the author truly brought the characters to life and made the places feel like home to
me. Stunning imagery! I loved it!" -Valerie, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
REMOTE_HOST: 65.34.216.47
"Just want to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I felt like I was watching it live in some
places. It makes you feel and it makes you smile; those are good things. I just passed it on
to my sister to read." Jackie Burleson Burlington, VT
"Congratulations! Finally a novel that held my attention from start to finish; this book really
should be made into a film." Harry Trafford Chorley, Lancs, UK
"Once I started this book, it was hard to stop reading. I rushed home from work every night,
got dinner and chores out of the way so I could get back to it. I loved the ending, but was sad
that the story was over. Write more!" Marie Perrin Bristol, CT
"Thank you for writing such a dear book. It was such a joy to read, and it will bear reading over
and over! I do hope you will write more; you have a free flowing talent for words."
Sandy Morningstar Duxbury, VT
I am so completely impressed by your achievements!! I ordered three books, one for me,
one for Roberta and one for Quanda! Luv ya, and again congratulations!!!
Paula DeGroat Margate, FL
"I just want to tell you that I hadn’t read a book in twenty years. When Darla Hit never lost my
interest, and since I read it I’ve read two more books. They weren’t quite as good, but at least
your book made me want to read again." Henry Partlow Plainfield, VT
"A friend gave me When Darla Hit for my birthday. I immediately started reading it and loved
every minute of it. I read it every night until I finished it because it was very entertaining. Keep
up the good work. I can't wait for the next book to come out!!!!" Diane Sheridan
"I loved the book, and completely fell in love with Ben. The heroine is tough as nails, and the
author's way of telling her story was so natural it felt like she was sitting next to me talking
about her life." Doris Johnson Tampa, FL (p.s. I ordered four books)
"It is such a pleasure to congratulate you on the When Darla Hit. It's such a wonderful book.
I'm glad you have shared your talents. Please keep on writing; I wish you continued
success." Deborah Ballou Whitinsville, MA
"I enjoyed reading WHEN DARLA HIT. There were so many changes in her life , sometimes
people become jaded & stop believing in oneself. Ben helped her believe in herself &what
she stands for. I'm looking for book #2." Georgia Mazur Torrington, CT (ordered 5 books)
"My husband and I both loved the book. We were sharing it and kept trying to get it back when
the other one was reading it. We can't wait for the next one! Janet Edson Bakersfield, CA
"I loved this book! Very engrossing. Hope you will write another and another."
Kirsten Wiley – Barre, VT
"I'm in my seventies and have read many books; this was the best one I've picked up in years.
My 84 year old husband also read it and loved it, and he usually only reads the paper. We
both hope you'll write more." Jessie Graves
"The book made me feel like i was right there with you , but the last few chapters seemed a
little rushed as if you had to make a deadline to finish the book. All in all i liked the book very
much ,are you going to write more ?" William Dunn Clearwater, FL
"When a friend raved about this book, I went out that day and bought it. I read it yesterday. I
could not put it down!! I loved every tragic,sad, and happy moment..thanks for not killing Ben
off...I really was getting worked up for a while. Congratulations on a great book ..hope many
more to follow!!" Ellen Demers E. Montpelier, VT
"Great first book. I hope it's not the last." John Nolet Chester, MA and Burlington, VT
"I'm a student at UVM. I bought your book to read on the flight home for spring break. I
couldn't put it down and finished reading it when I got there. Now my mom's reading it. She
loves it too. Have you written others?" Sara M. Westchester, NY
"Wow -- great book. I bought three copies and want another one, autographed. I'm so proud
of you, kid." (Cousin) Carol Brill St. Johnsbury, Vt.
"I'm not much of a reader and your book captivated me. I felt like I wanted to jump in and be a
part of the book, especially the big gathering for Ben." Teresa Wells Williston, VT
"I'm bawling and it's all your fault. I was only going to read a few chapters but I couldn't put it
down and here it is two in the morning, and I have a class in the morning. The book is
amazing and I've been crying for the past 45 minutes. [[while I was reading..]] I've been done
for close to 5 minutes and I'm still crying. I kept moving in and out of "oh my god no!" and
"He's amazing." and I was on the last page holding back the tears and I read the last line and
died. And just typing that made me cry even more just from thinking about it. The ending
couldn't have been any better." Camm / Johnson State College
"I loved your book so much. Please, please write more." Sherry Lee Olson Manchester, NH
"i really really really, really loved your book! had it not been for a friend handing it to me i
would have missed a great opportunity! i read a couple of books a week. i only have
patience for reading suspense novels, etc. rarely am i able to read biographies, love stories,
life stories and other types of books. // please allow me to tell you that you captured my
attention from the first page. you were able to describe the trials and tribulations of your
character (s) without crossing the line of too many adjectives and excess words. you made
me feel like i was in the room, in the hurricane, in the car, and on the move. i read the book in
one day because i didn't want to put it down. i wanted to move through the story to learn what
happened with each character. you were able to tell your story with courage and truth but you
were not morose or whining - and yet you allowed your reader to feel sad, feel happy, feel
angry and rise above it all. // one of the reasons that i stay away from stories other than
suspense is that i feel authors go too far, don't get to the point, don't follow the story from one
place to the next. you wrote a nice, tight novel and carried your characters, the places in
which you lived, etc. extremely well. // please forgive my writing ability. i write as i speak,
unless it's poetry - and that i love to write - it's a respite here and there in my life. // back to
you! i shake my head at all the thoughts i have about your story. i truly loved all the
characters and god bless you for the things you've been able to live through and share with
others. i realize some is life based and some is fiction. doesn't really matter which is which.
the story is great and i fell in love with you in love and how you handled things. // thank you
so very much for the reading pleasure. take care." cyndi howarth
" I finished reading When Darla Hit this morning and enjoyed every minute of it. WOW!
what a life she had !! And what an exciting and lovely ending. I will recommend this book to
everyone I know...." Pat Holley (Singer/Song Writer) New York City
"I loved your book; couldn't put it down. You should be all over the place with this. Why aren't
you doing talks and signings? or have I just missed them? I'm so glad I bought the book --
thanks for writing it!" Margaret Ferguson, Berlin
"Everyone here at O.U.R. House read your book and loved it. I started it on my day off, and
was only going to read a little bit. I ended up spending the entire day reading because it was
too good to put down. Thanks for all your help and for writing such an honest and interesting
book." Pricilla White, Director
"Received my copy of When Darla Hit yesterday morning; sat on the dock and read it and
wouldn't cook dinner until I was done. I found it deeply enjoyable. I don't like to use an over-
used term, but I " felt your pain." I know it took a lot of guts to write hard memories -- you told
the story without hesitation, which gave it depth and texture. There are thousands of abused
women that need to read it so they know that their lives can heal if they try hard enough and
give life a chance. BRAVO!" Candace LaPerna Moneta, VA
"Just loved this book. I felt like I was listening to my best friend talk about her life. A friend
read it and told me how good it was. She was right. I'd recommend this book to anyone who
wants a terrific read." Amy White Key Bank, Barre, VT
"I read When Darla Hit while I was on vacation in Florida. I kept turning to my husband and
saying, "You're not going to believe this." He couldn't wait to read it and I couldn't wait to see
how it ended. It was a great read and I wish you much success. Thanks for writing it." Donna
"Wow! That was powerful. Thanks for helping me understand myself better. And what an
incredible ending. This was the most honest and original novel I've read in a long, long time. I
hope you will write more but I don't know how you'll match that!" Annie Heburg St. Cloud, MN
"I have just finished reading your book. My mother bought it for me for the obvious reason:
the name Darla. Thank you so much for a delightful and rewarding reading experience. And
additional thanks for writing my biography for me....seems so strange to see so many facets
of your life written by a stranger. I will be looking forward to more of your work. Hope all is
well." Warm regards and much respect, Darla Brouillard
"I found your book fascinating. A thousand thanks for writing it." Henrietta Antony, Montreal
"This book blew me away. I just wasn't expecting anything so wonderful from an unknown
author. You won't be unknown for long, I'm sure."